Law Commission proposes changes for drone safety

The Law Commission of England and Wales has today unveiled its final report on Aviation Autonomy, outlining essential recommendations to enhance the safety of remotely piloted and autonomous uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), including drones. While there is already a legal framework governing drone usage, the report highlights several areas needing clarification and supplementary rules to facilitate safe innovation in the sector. Immediate and near-future legislative changes are advised, alongside longer-term adjustments detailed in part 3 of the report.

Among the key recommendations are clear legal definitions and the harmonisation of terminology across existing legislation, legislative changes that empower the provision of traffic management services for UAS, and measures to protect passengers when no pilot or cabin crew is on board. The report also calls for reallocating pilot responsibilities for fully autonomous operations and updating criminal law, particularly modernising the laws related to hijacking.

Professor Alison Young, Commissioner for Public Law, commented, “Aviation is changing rapidly, and the law must keep pace. Our recommendations ensure a clear, principled framework that protects the public, upholds accountability, and gives industry the legal certainty it needs to invest and innovate safely.”

Giancarlo Buono, Group Director Safety & Airspace Regulation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, expressed support for the report, stating, “Aviation technology is undergoing a revolution and never seen before innovations are taking to the skies. We are working closely with government and industry to ensure the law and regulations reflect the new opportunities and challenges of remotely piloted and autonomous aircraft. This is essential to enable new advancements to develop safely in the industry. We welcome the publication of the Law Commission’s report and will consider their recommendations in full.”

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